How to Disable Widgets in Windows 11 Using GPO

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Widgets in Windows 11 can be distracting or unnecessary in certain environments. You can disable them through Group Policy Objects (GPO) by using the “News and Interests” ADMX and ADML files exported from a Windows 11 device. This guide outlines the steps to copy the necessary files, import them into the Active Directory (AD) server, and create a GPO to disable Widgets.

Prerequisites

  • A Windows 11 device with the “News and Interests” ADMX and ADML files.
  • Administrative access to the Active Directory server.
  • Group Policy Management Console installed.

Step 1: Export the ADMX and ADML Files from a Windows 11 Device

  • Locate the ADMX Files on the Windows 11 Device:
    • Navigate to the directory where policy definition files are stored:C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions

Look for the following files:

  1. NewsAndInterests.admx (used for configuring Widgets).
  2. Corresponding language file (e.g., NewsAndInterests.adml for English) located in the en-US folder.
  • Copy the Files:
  1. Copy NewsAndInterests.admx to a removable drive or a network share.
  2. Navigate to the language folder (e.g., C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US) and copy NewsAndInterests.adml to a removable drive or a network share.

Step 2: Import the ADMX and ADML Files to the AD Server

  • Access the Central Store on the AD Server:
    • Open File Explorer on the AD server and navigate to:C:\Windows\\PolicyDefinitions
  • Paste the ADMX File:
    • Paste NewsAndInterests.admx into the PolicyDefinitions folder.
  • Paste the ADML File:
    • Navigate to the language folder (e.g., en-US) within the PolicyDefinitions folder.
    • Paste NewsAndInterests.adml into the corresponding language folder (e.g., PolicyDefinitions\en-US).

    Step 3: Create a GPO to Disable Widgets

    • Open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC):
      • Press Win + R, type gpmc.msc, and press Enter.
    • Create a New GPO:
      • In the GPMC, right-click on your domain or Organizational Unit (OU) where you want to apply the policy.
      • Select Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here…
      • Name the GPO (e.g., “Disable Widgets”).
    • Edit the GPO:
      • Right-click the newly created GPO and select Edit.
    • Navigate to the Widgets Policy Setting:
      • In the Group Policy Management Editor, go to:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Widgets
    • Configure the Policy:
      • Double-click on Allow widgets.
      • By default, this policy will be in the Not Configured state.
      • Select Disabled.
      • Click Apply and then OK.
    • Close the GPO Editor:
      • Exit the editor and ensure the GPO is linked to the appropriate domain or OU.

    Step 4: Update Group Policy on Client Devices

    • Force a Group Policy Update:
      • On client devices, open Command Prompt as Administrator.
      • Run the following command to apply the policy:gpupdate /force
    • Verify the Widgets Are Disabled:
      • Check the taskbar to ensure Widgets are no longer visible.

    Conclusion

    By following these steps, you can effectively disable Widgets on Windows 11 devices in your domain using GPO.

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